African Belt

Possibly from the Tuareg, this interesting old belt is a mystery: we’re not sure what it was used for, tho we think it is more for ritual than practical purposes. It includes three rather crude leather-sheathed knives, one sheath without a knife, a small folding blade in a leather cover, a carved wood ‘critter’ (lizard?), a set of two iron implements- a pick and a tweezer- inside a leather case, and a very tired small leather purse with flap. All hang from a braided leather cord. The knives have wood handles and slightly sharp, rusty blades, and are kept in place by simple but ingenious leather ties; the sheaths are dyed and incised with simple linear designs similar to those seen on Tuareg artifacts. Everything shows much use and age. This displays well with the Tuareg mat (AO261).

Size: 39″ dia.

$320.00